LiDAR Draft Survey Apparatus for Barge Weight Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional barge gauging methods are hazardous, time-consuming, and inaccurate, requiring manual measurements that are often taken in dangerous conditions, and do not allow for real-time monitoring of draft and weight changes during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A draft survey apparatus using LiDAR technology with a light source and receiver to emit and detect photons, determining the position of objects and surfaces in 3D space, allowing for real-time calculation of barge draft and weight based on the position of objects and surfaces relative to the light source and receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement techniques are used to determine barge draft, then personnel can obtain draft measurements, but personnel are exposed to dangerous conditions including falling from the barge, hypothermia from icy waters, and being pinned between the barge and dock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an automated optical measurement system. The apparatus uses a camera to capture images of the barge and waterline, and a processor automatically calculates draft measurements from these images, eliminating the need for personnel to physically measure the barge in dangerous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a camera and image processing apparatus. Instead of personnel directly measuring the barge, the camera captures visual data of the barge and waterline, and the processor serves as an intermediary to calculate the draft from these images, protecting personnel from exposure to harmful conditions.
2Measurement precision
If personnel manually measure draft from multiple positions on the barge, then accurate draft values can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and reduces loading/unloading efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous draft monitoring by capturing multiple images of the barge at different positions and continuously processing these images to calculate draft measurements. This continuous measurement capability allows for real-time monitoring of draft changes during loading and unloading operations, improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static manual measurements to dynamic automated measurements. The system can capture images and calculate draft measurements dynamically as the barge moves or changes position, allowing measurements to be taken without interrupting loading/unloading operations and improving overall productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple personnel are deployed to take measurements from multiple positions on the barge, then accurate draft and weight distribution data can be collected, but the complexity and time required for the gauging process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine multiple parameters (draft, weight, weight distribution) from a single set of images using one camera and processor. This multi-functional apparatus eliminates the need for multiple personnel and separate measurement devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. The camera captures images that contain information about draft and weight distribution, and the processor combines this information to calculate all required measurements, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate measurement operations into one unified process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, accurate, and real-time monitoring of barge draft and weight, reducing the risk to personnel and improving efficiency in loading and unloading operations by providing continuous and dynamic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting photons radially outward from the light source, a receiver for receiving the photons reflected off of objects and surfaces
Implementation Method 2
determine position of the objects and surfaces in three dimensional space based on the return angle of the photons and a time delay of photons between emission and receipt
Data Source
AI summary
A draft survey apparatus for gauging a barge by determining a weight of bulk materials loaded and discharged from the barge in water wherein the water level is provided. The draft survey apparatus includes a light source for emitting photons radially outward from the light source, a receiver for receiving the photons reflected off of the barge and surface, the receiver operable to sense a return angle of the photons, and a processor operable to determine a position of the objects and surfaces in three dimensional space based on the return angle of the photons and a time delay of photons between emission and receipt. The processor is operable to determine the weight of the bulk materials on the barge based on a height of barge above the water level.